Christ's Kingdom not of this World? John 18:36

Probably once a week I hear or read, "Christ's kingdom is not of this world." The point the person is trying to make may vary but the bottom line is they are using this quote as 'Exhibit A' to prove that the kingdom of our Lord was not and never will be something physically or literally on planet earth.

However when Christ says to Pilate in John 18:36, "My kingdom is not of this world", He is not saying....

• That His kingdom is in another place or
• That His kingdom is purely spiritual or
• That His kingdom is in another dimension. 

What Christ is saying in the context is that His authority as King does not come from this world, but from heaven, and that His kingdom will not come to fruition through human politics or efforts. Our Lord was trying to assure Pilate that He was no threat to Rome. Yes, He is a King. Christ explicitly admits this (v.37). In fact the word 'kingdom' here could be, and probably should be translated "kingship". The point is that no one 'of this world' would make Him King and He would not become King by the normal means and processes of this world. This is why Christ says, "If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." 

This passage is not a proof-text for a non-literal, spiritual kingdom. Whether the kingdom of Christ is present or future, literal or spiritual, or all of the above, can be reasonably discussed from other passages. But this verse is simply teaching that Christ's kingdom will not come by this world's means of establishing kingdoms. Christ's authority comes from the Father and He will establish His kingdom by His power and authority (see Psalm 2).

This may cause some people to reevaluate their view of the kingdom. But at the very least, it should encourage all of us to recognize who's doing the establishing and how it is being done. God is doing it His way. Not us, our way.